It's important to note that a witches' broom is not a type of broom that witches use. Instead, it's a growth abnormality found in plants, particularly trees. It's a dense cluster of short, tangled branches that resemble a broom.
The abnormal growth is caused by various factors, including:
* Fungal infections: Some fungi, like Taphrina species, stimulate excessive cell division leading to the broom-like growth.
* Viral infections: Certain viruses can also trigger abnormal growth.
* Insect infestations: Some insects, such as aphids, can cause damage that leads to the formation of witches' brooms.
* Genetic mutations: In some cases, the broom may be a result of a genetic mutation in the plant.
So, while the name might conjure images of witches, it's actually a natural phenomenon that can occur in various tree species.